Belarus

Maria is 21-years-old and from Minsk (the capital and largest city of Belarus). She is a student of the Belarusian State Economic University and fluent in Belarusian and Russian. Her ambition is to become a TV presenter. She has a passion for drawing and enjoys visiting places of inspiration such as theatres and art galleries. She enjoys dancing which she has been doing since she was five and playing sports, in particular, roller-skating, cycling and horse riding. Maria thrives on trying new hobbies and has even piloted an aeroplane. Personal Motto: 'Be a better version of who you are.'

In my opinion, the most beautiful Belarusian girl is Darya Domracheva (born August 3, 1986, Minsk, Belarus). She is a Belarusian biathlete. When she was a young child, she moved to Russia because of her father's work commitments. Darya first tried cross-country skiing and when the first biathlon school opened in her hometown of Nyagan, Russia, in 1999 she ultimately changed to biathlon. After representing Russia at youth level, she received an offer to represent Belarus juniors in 2004, and moved to Minsk to train with the national squad.She won 2 gold medals at the World Championships in 2012 and 2013. At the 2010 Winter Olympics in Vancouver a bronze medal in the individual competition. At the 2014 Winter Olympics in Sochi she won 3 gold medals in the pursuit, individual, and mass start competitions. Darya Domracheva was named "Hero of Belarus", the country's highest honour, by President Alexander Lukashenko in 2014 after third gold in Sochi.Her height is 1.68 m (5' 6''), weight is 56 kg / 123 lbs.

Maria is currently enrolled in a 5 year degree of Veterinary Medicine at the Vitebsk State Academy. An animal lover, Maria recently worked to save homeless animals in her home city as part of the ‘Take Me Home’ charity scheme. Her hobbies include playing chess, reading books on astrology, and listening to rock music. Her favourite food is Belarusian Cuisine. Maria describes herself as an open and cheerful person, and her personal motto is “Never Give Up!”.

In her own words:"Hello!I’m Maria Velichko. I feel very proud and fortunate to be representing the Republic of Belarus, a country with a long history and a great culture. Belarus is a land of vast plains and picturesque hills, thick forests and green meadows, deep blue lakes and flowing rivers. I was born in the small beautiful festival city Vitebsk.I’m 22 years old. I am a doctor of veterinary medicine. My profession spiritually enriches a person, gives a sense of kindness, love and care. I’m interested in astrology, my hobby is hand-made. I very love my family and friends. I believe in myself and I know that world gives a road for those who know where he is going".